Help Jessica Study in Tibet!

Jessica O'Leary Start Date: Aug 18, 2014 - End Date: Oct 18, 2014
  • Lhasa, China

My Travel Story

by: Jessica O'Leary Start Date: Aug 18, 2014 - End Date: Oct 18, 2014
I have always wanted to study abroad, but never imagined it would be a possibility for me. As I will be entering my final year as an ungergraduate in Fall 2014, until recently I had all but given up on any chances of being able to study abroad before I graduated. However, in May I learned of a program in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, where I would be able to study Tibetan language and culture at Tibet University. I somehow managed to get all the application paperwork in by the deadline, and a few weeks ago I found out from TU that I had been accepted to study with them in the Fall!

For those who may not know, I am currently majoring in East Asian Studies at the University of Virginia, with a regional concentration on Tibet. While I have many interests in this region (and welcome any questions about those interests!), over the past year--and thanks to several wonderful professors--I have become increasingly interested in global development, and particularly the development of ethnic Tibetan regions of the PRC. The two paths I am most interested in pursuing after graduation are a graduate studies program in Global Development Studies and/or a career in Foreign Services.

As with any regional studies, being able to live there and interact with the people of that region is incredibly important, and no amount of study and research can replace such an experience. However, policies for foreigners visiting the TAR are very strict. Therefore, attending Tibet University as a student is the best opportunity for me, as a foreigner, to live for an extended period in Lhasa.

With the help of my friends and family, I hope to make my dream of studying abroad in Lhasa a reality. I have only one month before classes start, and greatly appreciate all the help and support I can get. I welcome both donations and positive thoughts--anything helps! To show my appreciation for your contributions, I will be sending a small gift from Tibet to all who donate. Thank you!

If you would like to follow my journey, I will be blogging about my studies at http://cvilledolkar.wordpress.com. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about my interest in Tibetan studies, feel free to ask!
  • Lhasa, China